Essentials in the Biblical Storyline Part 1 – Creation (Genesis 1-2)

Recently I ‘ve been reflecting on the essentials of the biblical storyline as I prepare to teach an biblical interpretation and communication for a parachurch organization this summer. In order to faciliate my thinking, I’ve begun working through the key movements and asking myself the question: “What does a person need to grasp from this particular chapter in the biblical story to ensure they understand the rest of the story and themselves properly?”

In light of that, I’m beginning with the Creation account in Genesis 1-2. What aspects of these chapters would you regard as essential for a person to understand the story of Scripture and the story of their own lives? In particular I am thinking about truths about God, human beings, the world, etc. that emerge from Genesis 1-2. So what would you highlight?

I think that one of the key issues is God’s sovereign work in creation. The reason I see this as important is because it is a recurring theme in scripture. Early on we see recreation after the flood then we see a form of recreation after the incident at the Tower of Babel this all leads up to the recreation of the believer at salvation, 2 Cor 5:17. The theme of creation and God’s part in it is important to seeing how scripture flows and maybe more importantly it builds on the theme of God being sovereign over and through His creation.

There are other things to look at but I know as I went through the Old Testament this idea of recreation surfaced a number of times.

I like the direction you went with your thoughts, Tony. I’d simply add that the biblical storyline also climazex in the creation of a new heaven and new earth (Rev 21-22).

With respect to God I’d be inclined to highlight his “personalness” (immanence) and yet at the same time his “otherness” (transcendence). I think catching these two dynamics are so important, among other things as well.

With respect to humanity, I’d want to certainly mention being created in God’s image (tied to being God’s stewards / vice-regents). Also, I’d want to touch on God creating us for community.

Thanks Matt for the other aspects. I had thought of the Revelation part of things but had forgot to put it in my response. It really makes the sort of bookends to God’s word. But the other items are ones that I guess I know but had not thought of them. So again thanks for the thoughts.

I would also include some insights on manhood and womanhood as we see demonstrated in the creation of and relationship of husband and wife in the pre-fall state. I think there is something to be said here also for the God-centeredness of appropriate sexuality.

Mark DeVine, one of my profs from seminary, has some interesting thoughts about the imago dei being reflected in the combined maleness and femaleness of the human race…

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (1:27).